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H1N1 Influenza A Virus Brings Many Questions, Few Answers

  |  Issue: November 2009  |  

Dr. Kotton also stresses that there is no reason to put off getting the seasonal flu shots because the H1N1 vaccine is not yet available. Indeed, there is concern that seasonal flu may be overlooked because of the focus on the newer strain.

Pregnant women are another group that may be more seriously affected by the H1N1 virus than by seasonal flu. It is not yet known if there will be an additive effect when pregnancy is combined with medication-induced immunocompromise. Those who are pregnant may also have a bias against getting vaccinations that the physician should look for.

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“A recent article suggested that women have a fear and bias against vaccination,” says Dr. Furst. “This is unjustified given the risks.”

With all of the unknowns currently attached to the H1N1 virus and its vaccine, should rheumatologists suggest that their patients get their shots only from a physician?

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“I think it is reasonable to get vaccinated through community sources such as local health departments, churches, pharmacies, etc.,” says Dr. Curtis. “Getting the vaccination is more important than who gives it. Just make sure that patients are aware that it needs to be the inactivated version.”

Kurt Ullman is a freelance writer based in Indiana.

References

  1. Food and Drug Administration. Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccines questions and answers. Available online at www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/ucm181950.htm. Updated October 1, 2009. Accessed October 7, 2009.
  2. Glück T, Müller-Ladner U. Vaccination in patients with chronic rheumatic or autoimmune disease. Clin Infect Dis. 2008;46:1459-1465.
  3. Curtis JR, Arora T, Taylor AJ, et al. Quality of preventive care for older Americans with rheumatoid, psoriatic and osteoarthritis. Presented at: 75th ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting; October 20, 2009; Philadelphia, PA.

ACR PUBLISHES H1N1 HOTLINE

The word “fluid” is frequently used to describe what medical science knows about the epidemiology, treatment, and prevention of the H1N1 flu. Therefore, it is important that the rheumatologist have access to current information as the U.S. response to the virus evolves.

The ACR has published a Hotline on the topic called “H1N1 Virus: Implications for Rheumatology.” It is available at www.rheumatology.org/publications/hotline.

The Hotline includes information on seasonal flu vaccines, adverse effects, recommendations for vaccination and management of H1N1, and how to manage patients that have been infected. Each section addresses information that is specific to the rheumatologist when appropriate. The Hotline also gives a long list of other resources on the Web where doctors can find current information and guidelines on vaccination and treatment.

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